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Believe it or not, making the right lifestyle choices can help prevent almost two out of three cancers! Experts believe that smoking causes 30 percent of cancers, and poor nutrition another 35 percent. What causes the rest? Infections, alcohol, pollution, heredity and sun exposure mostly. Does that mean you can avoid most cancers? Yes, if you follow these eight basic guidelines.

Don't use tobacco. It's the single most important thing you can do to stay healthy.

Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks daily or less.

Exercise regularly. An hour of moderate activity all or most days of the week is the goal to aim for. A brisk walk, a work-out, a jog, or your favourite sport--the choice is yours.

Eat more fruits, grains, and vegetables. Cut back on meat and dairy products.

Stay at your ideal body weight. Eating healthily helps.

Slip on a shirt, and slap on the sunscreen when you go out in the sun.

If cancer runs in your family, tell your doctor.

Have regular tests such as mammograms, Pap smears, prostate cancer blood tests, and stool tests to screen for cancer. Your doctor will tell you how often you need them.